Farmer levies to help pay for TB plan

Cattle farmers across NI will be asked to contribute to the cost of targeted badger control by way of new levies on milk and beef at slaughter, the Irish Farmers Journal understands.

Details on how a proposed badger removal programme will operate are to be outlined at a series of information meetings over the coming weeks, starting at Enniskillen campus on Monday 24 October at 7.30pm.

The meetings have been organised by the TB Eradication Partnership (TBEP), an industry led body set up in 2018 to advise DAERA, and drive forward an implementation plan to eradicate bovine TB.

Legislation

But while TBEP might have a lead role, ultimately it is DAERA that must put the necessary policy and legislation in place.

In 2021, the Department identified its preferred option for badger control was in the form of a non-selective cull in TB hotspot areas using controlled shooting, delivered and paid for by farmer-led companies.

Since then, plans to set up a new company, TB Free NI, have emerged, with the lobbying effort taken forward by Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) president David Brown, and the CEO of Animal Health and Welfare NI, Dr Sam Strain.

As well as providing practical information to farmers on what steps can be taken to help minimise TB infection risks, TB Free NI is to take on the management and financial oversight for industry-led wildlife intervention work.

It is understood that dairy co-ops have agreed to implement a voluntary levy of around 0.02p/l, although there is still some work to do to encourage all meat processors to collect a levy of approximately £1 for each slaughtered bovine. In total, the levies would raise about £1m per year.

Reduce infection

The overall plan is to reduce the TB infection load among the NI badger population by implementing a cull in carefully selected areas over the next seven years (approximately). With fewer infected badgers on the ground, a follow-up badger vaccination programme is more likely to be effective. It is similar to the policies currently being deployed in the Republic of Ireland and in England.

It is also hoped that the experience from England, where a cull has been undertaken by licensed companies, paid for by farmers, can be utilised in NI. Similar to England, government (DAERA) will cover costs relating to administration, training and monitoring of the policy.

Hurdle

While NI farming industry leaders are keen to see action within the next 12 months, there is still one major potential hurdle by way of a court case taken by wildlife campaigners. They argue that the 2021 DAERA consultation on options to control badgers was not lawful. The judicial review is due to be heard on 22 November 2022.

Courage

Encouraging farmers to attend the upcoming meetings, TBEP chair Sean Hogan said the TB eradication strategy will take courage, compromise and the support of farmers.

“We will also need the support of political parties and the assembly to ensure effective delivery. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the farming industry working in real partnership with government to deliver on the goal to eradicate bovine TB,” he added.

Register to attend TBEP meetings

Six TBEP meetings are planned over the next three weeks (see diary), and to attend, DAERA have asked farmers to register by emailing: TBBR.Policybranch@daera-ni.gov.uk.

On enquiry, a DAERA spokesperson confirmed that the registration process is simply to get an idea of numbers.

“People are welcome to come along without registering, as they are public meetings,” the spokesperson confirmed.

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